The Czech defender, ever-present in the Premier League, was one of the 14 summer signings made by the Italian and believes the controversial 45-year-old was dismissed before he could mould the squad.

"Naturally, I am glad that I have been given chance to play right from the start and that I have played in all fixtures," Celustka is quoted as telling CTK.

"It's an enormous experience for me and a big call as well, so I am satisfied with that. However, I am very disappointed about how we have done at the start of the season. Unfortunately, manager Paolo Di Canio has paid the price for that.

"In my opinion the decision was a little bit hasty because he was building the team and in the summer 14 new players, including me, arrived. It needs some time to settle down.

"On the other hand, to win just one point in five games is simply not good, so our director Roberto De Fanti was kind of pressed by our fans to sack Paolo."

Celustka did not mind the restrictions put in place by Di Canio, with the Italian noted for being a strict disciplinarian, and is thankful that he was afforded a chance to prove his quality in the Premier League.

"You couldn't use mobile phones in the dressing room or near the physios and masseurs in the stadium grounds," continued the 24-year-old.

"We also had this thing there that you had to listen to the same music ahead of each game and other such things. He was strict in that but I respected it and minded my own business. I didn't have a problem with those restrictions.

"Perhaps not every single player liked that but, as I said, it was no problem for me. On the contrary, I am thankful to him for giving me the chance to play."